Don’t Make These Concrete Foundation Mistakes with Your Metal Building

April 8, 2019 by Peak Steel

Every building is only as strong as its foundation. teel structures are no exception. Concrete is obviously the favorite material for metal building foundations. It might seem like pouring a slab is a simple process.

In fact, some people decide to take on this task themselves to prepare their site for the erection of a steel structure. However, there are several factors that can make it inadvisable for a property owner to pour a slab on their own. At least, not without doing proper research and understanding the ramifications of this construction process.

#1 Pouring without a Concrete Foundation Design Plan

Even if a property owner knows what size they want their building to be or has an idea of the preliminary placement of anchor bolts, it’s a mistake to pour a foundation before engineering drawings are complete.

In fact, a foundation needs to be designed based on the specifics of the site. That includes soil type, climate, and local building requirements for a given location. The company working to create engineering plans for a prefabricated building may not be familiar with local conditions that could impact the foundation.

In this case, they may need to collaborate with a local engineer to ensure that the slab is up to the task. For example, a structure built in a very cold region with a frost line needs deeper footings than one built in a warm environment.

#2 Not Making It Tough Enough

A metal building that will be used as a woodworking shop or a storage space for boxes of unused items may be fine with a standard foundation. But if a monster truck or an RV is being parked inside, that’s a lot of weight!

The slab will need to be significantly thicker. Plus, it must be made with appropriate materials and reinforcement to withstand more pressure than a standard 4” slab with 2500 PSI strength.

This will impact the initial concrete foundation cost to pour the slab. But it will help the building last much longer. The engineering plans should specify what type of reinforcement is needed, whether rebar and welded wire, steel fiber, or other options.

#3 Curing without Adequate Ventilation

What about pouring a slab after the structure is already in place? That’s a situation that might come up during cold weather. In that case, it makes sense to protect the curing concrete from winter storms and the freezing temperatures. It’s possible to pour concrete after erecting a building. But this can lead to issues with condensation.

That’s especially true if heaters are used to artificially speed up the curing process. As concrete dries, a huge amount of moisture is released into the air.

When there isn’t adequate ventilation, condensation can become a problem. The condensation on the interior of the building can drip back down onto the concrete as it cures. That may cause significant problems with proper drying.

The best option is to erect a steel building on a slab that has already been poured and dried. The next best option is to ensure there is adequate airflow to the outside. That’s even if that means temporarily removing some of the steel panels and leaving windows and doors open.

Steel buildings are designed to last for many decades. Therefore, it’s essential to have a foundation that will stand the test of time, environmental conditions, and heavy-duty use as well.

Here is a progress note. We are 99% finished. Ross has repeatedly pointed out the improvements of this building over previous buildings he has worked on. It is looking good. Electricity is going in today. Thank you for a high quality product. Read more . . .

-Mary F.

My experience with Peak Steel Buildings has been nothing but positive. Will has always been very knowledgeable and available at all times to answer questions – even after business hours. Thank you for your personal service to make sure my project was on time and on budget. Read more . . .

-R. Craig

We’ve known Will George with Peak Steel for quite some time now and he has never disappointed. He always responds to emails and phone calls quickly and gets our quotes to us in a timely manner. Will not only gives us reliable service but competitive prices. If you are looking for someone to handle your metal building needs our suggestion is Peak Steel. Read more . . .

-N. Futral

We have dealt with other companies in the past, but none have matched the service we receive from Peak Steel Buildings. I have had competitive quotes on a variety of projects both simple and complex, and have had excellent service both before and after the sale. They will be our supplier of metal buildings and components in the future. Read more . . .

-T. Hipp

Oh my goodness it’s awesome. As a contractor/customer with Peak Steel Buildings it has been a pleasure. Wonderful crew and wonderful product always just like it should be. Read more . . .